06/15/2026
End of an Era: Thank You to the Sport Clinic in Riverside
I recently read the news the Sport Clinic in Riverside is permanently closing its doors after 45 years of service, becoming another unfortunate casualty of budget cuts. For the Inland Empire sports community, this is a massive loss. For me, it hits incredibly close to home.
My connection to the Sport Clinic goes all the way back to the 1980s. I still vividly remember the early mornings before the sun came up, riding along with my dad to take local athletes to the clinic for treatment before the school bell even rang. It was just what you did; if you were an athlete in Riverside and you were hurt, this was the gold standard for care.
But their impact on my life went far beyond sports. In 1988, my brother was involved in a horrific car crash. It was Dr. Wall and Dr. Clover at the Sport Clinic who performed the complex surgery to put his leg back together. They didn't just treat sprained ankles; they were elite medical professionals who saved livelihoods and healed families.
As a sports science professional today, I know how incredibly difficult the current landscape of healthcare and athletic medicine has become, but seeing a foundational community institution close its doors due to financial constraints is a tough reality to accept.
To Dr. Wall, Dr. Clover, and the decades of dedicated staff who walked through those doors: thank you. You rebuilt my brother's leg, you kept generations of Inland Empire athletes on the field, and you set a standard of care which will not be forgotten. Enjoy your well-deserved rest, and know your legacy in Riverside is secure.
Read the full story here:
The SPORT Clinic, a nexus of amateur athletes and athletic trainers in the Inland region, is closing Monday, June 15, because of budget cuts.